My dear friends,
As we finalize the purchase of the Nissan building, I wanted to give you insight into how we are approaching this season as a church. It was 11 years, 11 months and 11 days ago that our family set foot in Durango with the dream of creating a church where anyone would feel welcome and called to a full life in Christ.
During this time, I have learned to embrace the season that God has given us. When we were starting, the work we were doing looked very different than it does today - at least in schedule. And yet, the heart of the mission has always been the same - “to help people experience life with Jesus”.
I was reflecting on the “promised land” narrative this morning, thinking of the laser focus the people of God needed to enter the land. It was in that season that God spoke through Joshua saying:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
God commanded them to be strong and courageous. To believe in the mission and to act accordingly. This season for them was a season of war, and they needed focus and clarity to accomplish the goal. In this season, we need the same kind of focus to get us through this transition.
They also needed to remember why they were going into battle. Joshua told them:
"Remember the command that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you after he said, ‘The Lord your God will give you rest by giving you this land.’ " Joshua 1:13
Rest. The land had a purpose. The land was going to be a vehicle of rest for the people of God. Not yet, because the current season was a season of war - but ‘rest’ was going to happen. In the same way, this church building is going to serve us so well as we invite the people of Durango to experience life with Jesus. But not yet. First, they needed to step forward and fight.
"...but all your fighting men, ready for battle, must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelites. You are to help them'" Joshua 1:14
Ahead. That is what we are. I believe God will use this building as an exquisite tool for the Kingdom of God. And we are the ones that get to step forward and prepare the way for others. You have already been strong and courageous to help us get here, and now we get to push it over the finish line.
Practically, in this season, most of the life of our church will happen around work days and preparation of the building. For a few months, you will notice that our normal special events, mission work, and initiatives will look pretty slim. This is intentional. We have learned from other churches that this season will require our focus. So, in this season, I invite you to look at our ministry a little differently. For example, here’s how:
Instead of grabbing coffee with a friend, volunteer to paint together while digging into your lives.
Instead of investing in a spiritual retreat, invest in the kids ministry space and help the work be completed.
Instead of meeting as a small group in your homes, meet together to clean up the exterior of the property.
Instead of praying on the river trail, pray while you power wash the sidewalk at our new space.
Each week, we will be giving an update of needs we have at our new building. For this season, would you consider going all in on helping us complete phase one of our remodeling to move in as a church? To be in the know, you must sign up:
Text "BUILDING" to (970) 300-5205. Be sure to complete the short form.
Finally, more important than anything else, we need to stay close to God in this season. There will be so many ways for us to get off track, and it is crucial that we use this season as a refocusing season to walk more closely in step with the LORD. So, let’s see this work as a vehicle to grow close to God. I am honored to journey with you.
To God be the glory,
DJ